\n<\/p>\n
Replacing Pope with Bethell is the latest stage of long-running speculation around England’s number-three position.<\/p>\n
Pope’s highest score in six innings on this Ashes tour is 46, extending his run of eight Tests against Australia without a half-century.<\/p>\n
In the 27-year-old’s past seven Tests since making a century against India at Headingley in July, he averages 24.38.<\/p>\n
Overall, he averages 34.55 in 64 Tests. This is the first time he has been left out of a Test since the 2022 tour of West Indies.<\/p>\n
The Surrey man has been under pressure since Bethell made his Test debut in New Zealand at the end of last year, when the left-hander made three half-centuries in as many matches.<\/p>\n
However, Bethell has endured a stop-start year since that breakthrough tour of New Zealand.<\/p>\n
He has played only three first-class matches in the past year, one of which was the fifth Test against India at The Oval, when he made scores of six and five.<\/p>\n
The 22-year-old did make 71 for England Lions against Australia A in Brisbane earlier this month.<\/p>\n
Speculation that Bethell may come in for the start of the Ashes series grew when Pope was replaced as vice-captain by Harry Brook when the England squad was announced in September.<\/p>\n
Instead, Pope has become the first selection victim of the failed bid to regain the urn.<\/p>\n
“He’s not going to be the only one who’s disappointed in the dressing room with how things have gone,” said Stokes. “Being 3-0 down, it’s a tough place to be on a trip like this.<\/p>\n
“There’s going to be a lot of disappointment within the dressing room from everyone who’s in there.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n